The Kayak & Film Festival returns to Port Angeles for a second year on Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19.

The event, which drew hundreds of novice to expert paddlers in its inaugural year, offers an expanded line-up of on-the-water and dry land classes taught by nine experts specializing in all genres of kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

New this year, the Olympic Peninsula Paddlers — Port Angeles’ kayak club — leads a Sunday morning paddling excursion exploring the sights and sounds of Port Angeles Harbor.

A larger demonstration features a variety of kayak models for visitors to test drive, with special discounts on purchases.

Kayak and stand-up paddle boarding classes are offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Advance registration is recommended.

“We are so pleased to bring an event of this caliber to Port Angeles for a second year,” said Tammi Hinkle, owner of Adventures Through Kayaking, one of three local co-organizers of the festival.

“It’s truly a one-of-a-kind event; no other festival in the country highlights and promotes all classes of paddling. Participants can take an Eskimo rolling class, get educated on tides and currents, learn how to land their craft in surf, experience stand-up paddle boarding and much more.”

“The best part,” Hinkle added, “is that almost anyone can participate. The festival is open to all levels and all ages. It’s a community event that we hope anyone with an interest will come out and enjoy.”

The corresponding film festival opens with a keynote presentation by Ken Campbell, professional kayaker and co-founder of the Ikkatsu Project, an initiative to raise awareness of the impact of toxic pollutants on beaches and shorelines through print, films and data-gathering expeditions.

The presentation is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Peninsula College’s Maier Performance Hall, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd. Admission is free.

Afterwards, Campbell will present “Message in a Plastic Bottle,” the Ikkatsu Project’s third film, chronicling his 150-mile journey from Olympia to Bellingham aboard the Hyas yiem, a kayak constructed of discarded single-use plastic bottles.

His adventure reveals the effect that plastic is having on the world’s oceans, as well as its impact on local Cascadian waters.

Test drive a kayak

Festival-goers can test the comfort, handling and capabilities of a larger variety of kayak models than ever at the demo beach on Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Pick them up, test their weight, check out the quality of construction and learn firsthand about all the different designs and materials.

Poker Run

In this new event, players receive one card for each class registration and one card for trying kayaks at the demo beach. Cards may be traded for a “price.” The best hands win prizes, including kayak trips, rentals and a variety of paddling gear/equipment from the manufacturers.

Registration, ticket information

There are four ways to register for events — reserve your place early for kayak courses and the Sunday morning paddle excursion.

• Guarantee your space by reserving online at www.portangeleskayakandfilm.com.

• Call 417-3015

• Register at the Welcome Party at Barhop Brewery & Taproom at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17. Barhop is at 124 W. Railroad Ave., Port Angeles, Call 360-797-1818.

• Register at the festival Check-in Tent.

Visit www.portangeleskayakandfilm.com for a la carte class descriptions and fees.

The demonstration beach is $10, refundable with kayak purchase.

The film festival and keynote presentation are free.

A portion of the proceeds from class registrations and demonstration beach passes, as well as all funds raised in the Poker Run will benefit the Feiro Marine Life Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation promoting marine education and conservation. Feiro is on the Port Angeles City Pier.

Festival organizers, sponsors

The Port Angeles Kayak & Film Festival is made possible through the collaborative efforts of three Port Angeles kayak companies: Sound Bikes & Kayaks, Olympic Raft & Kayak and Adventures Through Kayaking.

Event sponsors include Harbinger Winery, Red Lion Hotels-Port Angeles, Rogue Wave Adventures, Dungeness Kayaking, Barhop Brewing, Blackball Ferry Line, Feiro Marine Life Center, Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission, Peninsula College and Olympic Peninsula Paddlers.

Youth kayaking class part of festival

The upcoming 2015 Port Angeles Kayak and Film Festival has an “on water” class just for children. Introduction to Sea Kayaking is offered grin 3-5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, and is focused on getting the younger generation started on a positive note.

Learn skills such as how to how to dress properly for kayaking, what equipment you need, basic paddle strokes and basic rescue techniques. This class is for youths ages 11-18. All the necessary equipment is provided and the course fee is $10 per person. The class is limited to eight participants.

The Port Angeles Kayak and Film Festival will be held April 18-19 at Hollywood Beach, with a pre-registration and film screening at BarHop Brewing on the evening of April 17 and the main Film Festival at Peninsula College on April 18. This is an annual event put on by local kayak and outdoor retailers Adventures Through Kayaking, Sound Bikes & Kayaks and Olympic Raft & Kayak.

To register your child for this class and for more information about the event visit www.portangeleskayakandfilm.com or call Adventures Through Kayaking at 417-3015.